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Some visitors love Mandalay, while some could just live without it. What you think about your Mandalay vacation is gonna be different as long as you take it slow. Mandalay tours are not for excitement but for some really relaxing riverbank strolls, which might be something new in your Myanmar tours.

The country's last royal capital, Mandalay, is so not Yangon. Quieter, more laid-back and snuggled into its setting on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, 695km north of the capital, Mandalay spreads lazily along a wide, flat grid of streets filled less with cars and commuter-packed buses. Squeaky bicycles and trishaws are more often seen here. And dust – even the palm trees are caked with the stuff.

After opening borders with China, Mandalay became something of a boom town in the 1990s.This never changes the fact that the city remains richly Buddhist, home to some 60% of Myanmar's monks, many of whom reside in the villagelike leafy area southwest of downtown. Buddhism is not the only attraction in Mandalay. Some claim, Mandalay is not particularly pretty. But worthy a couple-day skip here for some awesome views from the Mandalay Hill, a glimpse of the famous Mahamuni Paya or a fun night out with the Moustache Brothers. And day trips to the remarkable ancient cities hovering at the city's outskirts can also be enjoyable when you are warmly greeted by kids' 'Hello, how are you?'

The professional tour operator team of IOT suggests that the best pastime in Mandalay vacation is sitting over tea at dusk and watching kids fly kites over the rush-hour scene. Maybe you could tell us more after you take your time here.